US20120165605A1 - Endoscope - Google Patents
Endoscope Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120165605A1 US20120165605A1 US13/314,422 US201113314422A US2012165605A1 US 20120165605 A1 US20120165605 A1 US 20120165605A1 US 201113314422 A US201113314422 A US 201113314422A US 2012165605 A1 US2012165605 A1 US 2012165605A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- grasping
- insertion portion
- protruding
- switch
- operator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 75
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 75
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 28
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 21
- 210000003928 nasal cavity Anatomy 0.000 description 14
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 13
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 5
- 210000004932 little finger Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 206010028980 Neoplasm Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 206010061218 Inflammation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000436 anus Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004054 inflammatory process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000214 mouth Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
- A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
- A61B1/0052—Constructional details of control elements, e.g. handles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00066—Proximal part of endoscope body, e.g. handles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
- A61B1/05—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
- G02B23/24—Instruments or systems for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes
- G02B23/2476—Non-optical details, e.g. housings, mountings, supports
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an endoscope including a bending operation lever which rotates around an axis perpendicular to a central axis direction of an insertion portion.
- Endoscopes capable of performing observation and the like by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a subject have been widely used.
- Endoscopes include a type in which a bending portion is provided on a distal end side of an elongated insertion portion.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-112945 discloses an operation portion of an endoscope, which is held in a hand of an operator without slipping even if the operator loosens a grip and which makes the operator feel less fatigue on his/her hand even if an endoscopic examination continues for a long time.
- the endoscope is provided with a bending operation knob on one surface side of a wide surface of the operation portion including a grasping portion.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-189684 discloses a gun-type endoscope in which an operation grasping portion is bent.
- an operation lever for bending a bending portion is configured to rotate while facing the rear surface of the operation portion.
- an operator can grasp the operation grasping portion in a stable state without twisting his/her wrist, thereby capable of obtaining stable insertion performance.
- the operator can grasp the operation grasping portion with his/her right hand or left hand, and can operate the operation lever with the thumb of the hand grasping the operation lever.
- An endoscope includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; an image pickup section configured to pick up an image of inside of the subject; an operation portion configured to be connected to the insertion portion; a grasping portion configured to be able to be grasped by an operator, the grasping portion being connected to the operation portion and provided such that an axis in a longitudinal direction is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the insertion portion; a protruding portion provided on a surface on the insertion portion side of the grasping portion, the protruding portion protruding so as to form an acute angle with respect to the central axis of the insertion portion, on the insertion portion side; and a switch portion provided on the protruding portion and disposed at an angle which makes a right angle with respect to the acute angle.
- FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a configuration of an endoscope.
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the endoscope of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a rear view of the endoscope of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a grasping and operating state of the endoscope.
- FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a relationship between the grasped endoscope and a treatment instrument.
- FIG. 6 relates to a first modified example of the grasping portion and is a front view describing an endoscope having three switch portions.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of the endoscope of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a grasping and operating state of the endoscope.
- FIG. 9 relates to a second modified example of the grasping portion, and is a view illustrating an endoscope including an operation-portion-side protruding portion.
- FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a grasping and operation state of the endoscope.
- FIG. 11 a view illustrating a state where an operator operates a fourth switch without releasing his/her thumb from a bending lever.
- FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state where the endoscope is held with the hand of the operator.
- an endoscope 1 is configured by mainly including an insertion portion 2 , an operation portion 5 , a grasping portion 6 , and a universal cable 4 .
- the insertion portion 2 is inserted into a nasal cavity, for example.
- the insertion portion 2 is configured by including in the following order from a distal end side: a distal end portion 2 a ; a bending portion 2 b ; and a flexible tube portion 2 c , which are provided in a linked manner.
- the distal end portion 2 a incorporates inside thereof an image pickup section 3 provided with an image pickup device such as a CCD, C-MOS, and the like which picks up an image of a portion to be examined.
- an image pickup device such as a CCD, C-MOS, and the like which picks up an image of a portion to be examined.
- the bending portion 2 b bends in up and down directions, for example.
- the bending portion 2 b bends in the up direction to cause the distal end portion 2 a to move in the up direction as shown by the arrow Y 1 u in the drawing.
- the bending portion 2 b bends in the down direction to cause the distal end portion to move in the down direction as shown by the arrow Y 1 d .
- the bending portion 2 b bends in connection with the operation of a bending lever 8 to be described later.
- the flexible tube portion 2 c has flexibility and is deformable along the nasal cavity in the state where the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the nasal cavity.
- the operation portion 5 is connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2 .
- the axis in the longitudinal direction of the operation portion 5 is set substantially parallel to an insertion portion central axis 2 ca which is a central axis of the insertion portion 2 .
- the axis in the longitudinal direction of the grasping portion 6 is set so as to substantially perpendicularly intersect with the insertion portion central axis 2 ca.
- the operation portion 5 includes a distal end surface which is perpendicular to the axis in the longitudinal direction, and the insertion portion 2 is extended from the distal end surface.
- the reference numeral 7 A represents a break prevention member.
- the break prevention member 7 A covers the outer circumference of the flexible tube portion 2 c connected to the operation portion 5 , to prevent buckling of the flexible tube portion 2 c.
- the operation portion 5 includes, at the proximal end portion thereof, the bending lever 8 for bending the bending portion 2 b .
- the bending lever 8 includes a lever main body 8 a and a lever fixing piece 8 b .
- the end portion of the lever fixing piece 8 b is rotatably mounted to the one side surface of the operation portion 5 with a rotational axis 8 c which is perpendicular to the insertion portion central axis 2 ca.
- the lever main body 8 a rotates around the rotational axis 8 c along a proximal end portion curved surface 5 r of the operation portion 5 , as shown by the arrows Y 1 a and Y 1 b .
- the bending portion 2 b is bent in the up direction, for example.
- the lever main body 8 a is rotated in the direction shown by the arrow Y 1 a
- the bending portion 2 b is bent in the down direction.
- the grasping portion 6 is grasped by an operator, for example.
- the grasping portion 6 is connected to the operation portion 5 and fixed integrally thereto by screwing or adhesive bonding.
- the grasping portion 6 includes a lower end surface 6 a at a position farthest from the insertion portion central axis 2 ca .
- the universal cable 4 is extended out from the lower end surface 6 a .
- the reference numeral 7 B represents a break prevention member.
- the break prevention member 7 B covers the outer circumference of the universal cable 4 connected to the grasping portion 6 .
- the break prevention member 7 B prevents a signal line compliant with the image pickup section 3 , for example, which is inserted through the universal cable 4 , from being abruptly bent.
- a protruding portion 6 c is provided at the upper portion of an insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b of the grasping portion 6 .
- the protruding portion 6 c protrudes farther toward the direction of the insertion portion 2 than the extended line, which is shown by the dashed line, of the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b .
- the protruding portion 6 c includes an inclined surface 6 d and a holding surface 6 e .
- the holding surface 6 e of the protruding portion 6 c is a surface on which the middle finger, for example, of the hand grasping the grasping portion 6 of the operator is placed.
- the holding surface 6 e includes a supporting portion which is substantially parallel to the insertion portion central axis 2 ca.
- the reference numeral 6 g in FIG. 1 represents a grasping portion rear surface.
- the grasping portion rear surface 6 g is a surface arranged at a position substantially opposed to the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b.
- the inclined surface 6 d is a slope which intersects with the insertion portion central axis 2 ca on the insertion portion side at intersecting angle ⁇ .
- the intersecting angle ⁇ of the inclined surface 6 d is set to be an acute angle.
- the angle ⁇ is set such that the distance L from the insertion portion central axis 2 ca to the inclined surface 6 d becomes longer as going from the intersecting point to the distal end side of the insertion portion 2 .
- the inclined surface 9 d of the protruding portion 6 c is provided with two switch portions 9 A and 9 B, as shown in FIG. 2 , for example.
- the inclined surface 6 d has a plane on which a plurality of switch portions 9 A, 9 B are aligned.
- the switch portions 9 A, 9 B are push-button switches.
- the sliding axes 9 ca of the respective switch portions 9 A, 9 B are perpendicular to the plane of the inclined surface 6 d.
- the first switch portion 9 A shown in FIG. 2 is assigned as a release switch for photographing an endoscopic image displayed on a display apparatus (not shown), for example.
- the second switch portion 9 B is assigned as a freeze switch for temporarily stopping an endoscopic image displayed on the display apparatus, for example.
- the external shapes of the operation portion 5 and the grasping portion 6 are formed to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to a vertical axis 2 va which intersects with the insertion portion central axis 2 ca .
- the switch portions 9 A, 9 B and the lever main body 8 a of the bending lever 8 are disposed so as to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to the vertical axis 2 va.
- the operator can grasp the grasping portion 6 with either his/her right hand or his/her left hand. Furthermore, the operator can operate the lever main body 8 a with the thumb of the hand grasping the grasping portion, and also can operate the first switch portion 9 A and the second switch portion 9 B with the index finger or the like of the hand grasping the grasping portion.
- the operation portion 5 is configured to be narrower than the grasping portion 6 with respect to the direction of the axis which is perpendicular to the insertion portion central axis 2 ca of the insertion portion 2 . That is, a width dimension W 5 of the operation portion 5 is set to be narrower than a width dimension W 6 of the grasping portion 6 by a preset dimension. As a result, a stepped portion 10 having a preset dimension is provided on both sides of the operation portion 5 .
- the operator grasps the grasping portion 6 so as to wrap the grasping portion with his/her right hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the operator places the thumb side of the palm of the right hand on the grasping portion rear surface 6 g and the other parts of the palm on the right side surface of the grasping portion.
- the operator places the thumb in the vicinity of the lever main body 8 a and the index finger in the vicinity of the inclined surface 6 d , to hold the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b with the middle, medicinal and little fingers.
- the operator places the middle finger at the supporting portion included in the holding surface 6 e of the protruding portion 6 c .
- the operator can hold the operation portion 3 of the endoscope 1 in a stable state.
- the operator grasps the operation portion 3 as described above, to insert the insertion portion 2 into the nasal cavity of the patient.
- the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b of the operation portion 3 shown in FIG. 2 is positioned in front of the eyes of the patient.
- the width dimension W 5 of the operation portion 5 is set to be narrower than the width dimension W 6 of the grasping portion 6 . Therefore, when the operator inserts the distal end portion 2 a of the insertion portion 2 from the entrance of the nasal cavity to the deep direction, the operation portion 5 , the width dimension of which is narrower than the width dimension of the grasping portion 6 approaches the front of the eyes of the patient, thereby alleviating an oppressing feeling of the patient.
- the operator After inserting the insertion portion 2 into the nasal cavity, the operator appropriately operates the lever main body 8 a in the arrow Y 1 a direction or the arrow Y 1 b direction to observe inside of the nasal cavity. Then, the operator photographs the diseased part and the like, as needed. At the time of the photographing, the operator performs pressing operation of the first switch portion 9 A as a push-button switch.
- the first switch portion 9 A provided to the operation portion 3 is arranged on the plane of the inclined surface 6 d which intersects with the insertion portion central axis 2 ca at the intersecting angle ⁇ which is an acute angle.
- the sliding axis of the first switch portion 9 A is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the plane of the inclined surface 6 d . Accordingly, the pressing direction of the first switch portion 9 A pressed with the index finger of the operator, for example, is the direction of the arrow Y 4 in FIG. 4 which intersects with the insertion portion central axis 2 ca . Therefore, the pressing force is directed toward the palm wrapping the grasping portion rear surface 6 g.
- the pressing force at the time of the pressing operation of the first switch portion 9 A is absorbed by the hand grasping the grasping portion 6 .
- hand jiggling which will cause the insertion portion 2 to shake in connection with the pressing operation of the first switch portion 9 A is suppressed, thereby capable of easily photographing an endoscopic image with no blur.
- the operator When observing inside of the nasal cavity and finds an inflammation or a tumor, for example, the operator performs treatment by using a treatment instrument as needed.
- a treatment instrument for example, which is a treatment instrument with his/her right hand while grasping the grasping portion 6 with his/her left hand, as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the operator operates the endoscope 1 with his/her left hand and excises the tumor by operating the forceps 20 with his/her right hand.
- the reference numeral 22 represents a fixed handle, for example
- the reference numeral 23 represents a movable handle, for example.
- the operator arranges a forceps inserting portion 21 of the forceps 20 at the stepped portion 10 on the right surface side of the grasping portion as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 3 .
- the width dimension W 5 of the operation portion 5 is set to be narrower than the width dimension W 6 of the grasping portion 6 , and the stepped portion 10 is respectively provided on both sides of the operation portion 5 . Therefore, when the operator inserts the forceps inserting portion 21 of the forceps 20 into the nasal cavity while grasping the grasping portion 6 with his/her right hand or left hand, the operation portion 3 of the endoscope 1 does not obstruct the insertion of the forceps inserting portion 21 into the nasal cavity. That is, the stepped portion 10 respectively provided on both sides of the operation portion 5 can reduce interference between the operation portion 3 of the endoscope 1 and the forceps inserting portion 21 .
- the two switch portions 9 A, 9 B are provided on the inclined surface 6 d of the operation portion 3 of the endoscope 1 so as to be symmetric across the vertical axis 2 va , and a function for photographing an endoscopic image and a function for temporarily stopping the endoscopic image are assigned to the switch portions 9 A and 9 B, respectively.
- a function for photographing an endoscopic image and a function for temporarily stopping the endoscopic image are assigned to the switch portions 9 A and 9 B, respectively.
- an endoscope 1 A is configured such that a protruding portion 6 c 1 is connected to an upper portion of an insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b of a grasping portion 6 A.
- a third switch portion 9 C can be arranged in addition to the above-described two switch portions 9 A and 9 B.
- the protruding portion 6 c 1 protrudes farther toward the insertion portion side by a predetermined amount (L 1 in the drawing) than a connecting point 5 a between the insertion portion 2 and the operation portion 5 .
- the supporting portion which is included in the holding surface 6 e and substantially parallel to the insertion portion central axis 2 ca is also provided so as to protrude farther than the connecting point 5 a.
- the protruding portion 6 c 1 is formed such that a distal end side width dimension W 6 b is smaller than a base side width dimension W 6 a by a preset dimension, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the switch portions 9 A, 9 B are arranged on the base side of the inclined surface 6 d 1 , and one switch portion 9 C is arranged on the distal end side. That is, the switch portions 9 A, 9 B and 9 C are arranged such that the number of switches is reduced as going toward the direction protruding from the grasping portion 6 , in other words, in the direction of the insertion portion 2 .
- the external shapes of the operation portion 5 and the grasping portion 6 A are formed to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to the vertical axis 2 va .
- the switch portions 9 A, 9 B and 9 C, and the lever main body 8 a of the bending lever 8 are disposed so as to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to the vertical axis 2 va .
- the third switch portion 9 C is a push-button switch which is similar to the switch portions 9 A and 9 B. Also the sliding axis of the third switch portion 9 C is perpendicular to the plane of the inclined surface 6 d 1 .
- the distal end side of the protruding portion 6 c 1 which protrudes toward the distal end side of the insertion portion 2 is formed into a tapered shape, thereby capable of increasing a space for arranging switch portions to increase the number of the switch portions, while preventing a size increase of the operation portion 3 of the endoscope 1 .
- a function for switching illumination lights is assigned to the third switch portion 9 C, for example.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described endoscope 1 .
- the same members are attached with the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
- the operator grasps the grasping portion 6 A so as to wrap the grasping portion with his/her right hand, for example.
- the operator places the thumb side of the palm of the right hand on the grasping portion rear surface 6 g and other parts of the palm on the right side surface of the grasping portion.
- the operator may place the thumb in the vicinity of the lever main body 8 a and the index finger in the vicinity of the inclined surface 6 d , to hold the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b with the medicinal finger and the little finger.
- the operator can release the middle finger from the grasping portion 6 A.
- the finger to be released from the grasping portion 6 A is not limited to the middle finger, and may be the little finger or the medicinal finger.
- the operator grasps the grasping portion 6 as described above and inserts the insertion portion 2 into the nasal cavity of the patient. At that time, the operator places the middle finger released from the grasping portion 6 at the jaw of the patient, for example. At this time, the operator moves the position of the medicinal finger located at the supporting portion of the holding surface 6 e 1 to the distal end side of the insertion portion, for example, to ensure an optimal examination state. After that, the operator operates the lever main body 8 a to bend the bending portion 2 b , and observes inside of the nasal cavity.
- the protruding portion 6 c 1 is protruded farther than the connecting point 5 a by the dimension of L 1 , and the supporting portion included in the holding surface 6 e 1 is provided on the more distal end side than the connecting point 5 a .
- the operator performs operation such as photographing by pressing operation of the first switch portion 9 A, temporarily stopping an endoscopic image by pressing operation of the second switch portion 9 B, or switching the illumination light from the normal light to the special observation light, for example, by pressing operation of the third switch portion 9 C, as needed.
- the pressing forces at the time of pressing operations of the switch portions 9 A, 9 B and 9 C are directed toward the hand grasping the grasping portion 6 A to be absorbed, as described above. Therefore, hand jiggling which will cause the insertion portion 2 to shake in connection with the pressing operations of the switching portions 9 A, 9 B, and 9 C is suppressed.
- the two switch portions 9 A and 9 B are provided at the base side of the protruding portion 6 c 1 formed into a tapered shape, and one switch portion 9 C is provided at the distal end side of the protruding portion 6 c 1 .
- the switch portions 9 A, 9 B and 9 C are disposed so as to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to the vertical axis 2 va . As a result, the switch portions 9 A, 9 B and 9 C are prevented from being overlapped one another with respect to the direction of the vertical axis 2 va .
- the respective switch portions 9 A, 9 B and 9 C can be easily and surely operated with the fingers of the operator's right hand or left hand grasping the grasping portion 6 A.
- a second modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12 .
- an operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k protruding farther than the extended line, shown by the dashed line, of the grasping portion rear surface 6 g is connected to the upper portion of the grasping portion rear surface 6 g of the grasping portion 6 B.
- the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k which is further provided to the grasping portion 6 B has an inclined surface 6 m on which a fourth switch portion 9 D can be disposed in addition to the above-described three switch portions 9 A, 9 B and 9 C.
- the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k has the inclined surface 6 m and a holding surface 6 n .
- the holding surface 6 n of the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k is a surface on which the base part between the thumb and the index finger of the operator grasping the grasping portion 6 is placed, for example.
- the holding surface 6 n also includes a supporting portion which is substantially parallel to the insertion portion central axis 2 ca.
- the inclined surface 6 m is an inclined surface which intersects with the insertion portion central axis 2 ca on the operation portion side at the intersecting angle ⁇ 1 .
- the intersecting angle ⁇ 1 of the inclined surface 6 m is set to be an acute angle such that the distance L 2 from the insertion portion central axis 2 ca to the inclined surface 6 m becomes longer as getting separate from the proximal end portion of the operation portion 5 along the extended direction of the insertion portion central axis 2 ca.
- the inclined surface 6 m has a plane on which the fourth switch portion 9 D is provided, for example.
- the switch portion 9 D is a brightness switch, for example, and has a function for gradually adjusting the brightness of an endoscopic image displayed on the display apparatus.
- the external shapes of the operation portion 5 and the grasping portion 6 B are formed to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to the vertical axis 2 va .
- the switch portions 9 A, 9 B, 9 C and 9 D, and the lever main body 8 a of the bending lever 8 are disposed so as to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to the vertical axis 2 va.
- the operator grasps the grasping portion 6 B so as to wrap the grasping portion with the right hand, for example, as shown by the dashed line.
- the operator places the thumb side of the palm of the right hand on the grasping portion rear surface 6 g and other parts of the palm on the right side surface of the grasping portion.
- the operator places the thumb in the vicinity of the lever main body 8 a and the index finger in the vicinity of the inclined surface 6 d , to hold the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b with the medicinal finger and the little finger.
- the operator grasps the grasping portion 6 B as described above and inserts the insertion portion 2 into the nasal cavity of the patient to perform observation.
- the operator presses the fourth switch portion 9 D disposed on the inclined surface 6 m , with the thumb to adjust the brightness of the endoscopic image to desired brightness.
- the inclined surface 6 m on which the fourth switch 9 D is arranged is positioned so as to form an acute angle with respect to the direction of the bending lever 8 .
- the operator appropriately operates the lever main body 8 a to insert the distal end portion 2 a of the insertion portion 2 to a desired position and observes inside of the nasal cavity.
- the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k is provided to the grasping portion 6 B.
- the planes of the respective protruding portions are ensured as spaces in which the switch portions are arranged.
- the fourth switch portion 9 D is provided on the plane of the inclined surface 6 m of the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k .
- the number of the switch portion provided on the plane of the inclined surface 6 m is not limited to one, but may be plural.
- the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k is provided on the grasping portion rear surface 6 g of the grasping portion 6 in the present embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to hold the grasping portion 6 B as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the operator places the base part between the thumb and the index finger at the supporting portion included in the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k .
- the operator places the middle finger at the supporting portion included in the holding surface 6 e 1 of the protruding portion 6 c 1 , for example.
- the operator can hold the operation portion 3 on the palm without grasping the grasping portion 6 B with the hand. Accordingly, the operator can temporarily loosen the grasping force of the hand grasping the grasping portion 6 B during the examination. This makes it possible for the operator to feel less fatigue during the examination.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation application of PCT/JP2011/066264 filed on Jul. 15, 2011 and claims benefit of Japanese Application No. 2010-176517 filed in Japan on Aug. 5, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an endoscope including a bending operation lever which rotates around an axis perpendicular to a central axis direction of an insertion portion.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Endoscopes capable of performing observation and the like by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a subject have been widely used. Endoscopes include a type in which a bending portion is provided on a distal end side of an elongated insertion portion.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-112945, for example, discloses an operation portion of an endoscope, which is held in a hand of an operator without slipping even if the operator loosens a grip and which makes the operator feel less fatigue on his/her hand even if an endoscopic examination continues for a long time. The endoscope is provided with a bending operation knob on one surface side of a wide surface of the operation portion including a grasping portion. When inserting the insertion portion of the endoscope into a body of a patient through the oral cavity or the anus of the patient lying on a bed, for example, an operator grasps the grasping portion with his/her left hand and grasps the insertion portion with his/her right hand, for example. Then, the operator operates the bending operation knob with his/her left hand grasping the grasping portion, thereby causing the bending portion to perform bending action, to change the orientation of the distal end portion of the insertion portion.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-189684 discloses a gun-type endoscope in which an operation grasping portion is bent. In the endoscope, an operation lever for bending a bending portion is configured to rotate while facing the rear surface of the operation portion. According to the endoscope, an operator can grasp the operation grasping portion in a stable state without twisting his/her wrist, thereby capable of obtaining stable insertion performance. In addition, the operator can grasp the operation grasping portion with his/her right hand or left hand, and can operate the operation lever with the thumb of the hand grasping the operation lever.
- An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; an image pickup section configured to pick up an image of inside of the subject; an operation portion configured to be connected to the insertion portion; a grasping portion configured to be able to be grasped by an operator, the grasping portion being connected to the operation portion and provided such that an axis in a longitudinal direction is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the insertion portion; a protruding portion provided on a surface on the insertion portion side of the grasping portion, the protruding portion protruding so as to form an acute angle with respect to the central axis of the insertion portion, on the insertion portion side; and a switch portion provided on the protruding portion and disposed at an angle which makes a right angle with respect to the acute angle.
-
FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a configuration of an endoscope. -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the endoscope ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the endoscope ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a grasping and operating state of the endoscope. -
FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a relationship between the grasped endoscope and a treatment instrument. -
FIG. 6 relates to a first modified example of the grasping portion and is a front view describing an endoscope having three switch portions. -
FIG. 7 is a side view of the endoscope ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a grasping and operating state of the endoscope. -
FIG. 9 relates to a second modified example of the grasping portion, and is a view illustrating an endoscope including an operation-portion-side protruding portion. -
FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a grasping and operation state of the endoscope. -
FIG. 11 a view illustrating a state where an operator operates a fourth switch without releasing his/her thumb from a bending lever. -
FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state where the endoscope is held with the hand of the operator. - Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , anendoscope 1 is configured by mainly including aninsertion portion 2, anoperation portion 5, agrasping portion 6, and auniversal cable 4. - The
insertion portion 2 is inserted into a nasal cavity, for example. Theinsertion portion 2 is configured by including in the following order from a distal end side: adistal end portion 2 a; abending portion 2 b; and aflexible tube portion 2 c, which are provided in a linked manner. - The
distal end portion 2 a incorporates inside thereof animage pickup section 3 provided with an image pickup device such as a CCD, C-MOS, and the like which picks up an image of a portion to be examined. - The
bending portion 2 b bends in up and down directions, for example. Thebending portion 2 b bends in the up direction to cause thedistal end portion 2 a to move in the up direction as shown by the arrow Y1 u in the drawing. On the other hand, thebending portion 2 b bends in the down direction to cause the distal end portion to move in the down direction as shown by the arrow Y1 d. Thebending portion 2 b bends in connection with the operation of abending lever 8 to be described later. - The
flexible tube portion 2 c has flexibility and is deformable along the nasal cavity in the state where theinsertion portion 2 is inserted into the nasal cavity. - The
operation portion 5 is connected to the proximal end side of theinsertion portion 2. The axis in the longitudinal direction of theoperation portion 5 is set substantially parallel to an insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca which is a central axis of theinsertion portion 2. In contrast, the axis in the longitudinal direction of thegrasping portion 6 is set so as to substantially perpendicularly intersect with the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca. - The
operation portion 5 includes a distal end surface which is perpendicular to the axis in the longitudinal direction, and theinsertion portion 2 is extended from the distal end surface. Thereference numeral 7A represents a break prevention member. Thebreak prevention member 7A covers the outer circumference of theflexible tube portion 2 c connected to theoperation portion 5, to prevent buckling of theflexible tube portion 2 c. - The
operation portion 5 includes, at the proximal end portion thereof, thebending lever 8 for bending thebending portion 2 b. Thebending lever 8 includes a levermain body 8 a and alever fixing piece 8 b. The end portion of thelever fixing piece 8 b is rotatably mounted to the one side surface of theoperation portion 5 with arotational axis 8 c which is perpendicular to the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca. - According to the configuration, the lever
main body 8 a rotates around therotational axis 8 c along a proximal end portioncurved surface 5 r of theoperation portion 5, as shown by the arrows Y1 a and Y1 b. When the levermain body 8 a is rotated around therotational axis 8 c in the direction shown by the arrow Y1 b, thebending portion 2 b is bent in the up direction, for example. Furthermore, when the levermain body 8 a is rotated in the direction shown by the arrow Y1 a, thebending portion 2 b is bent in the down direction. - The grasping
portion 6 is grasped by an operator, for example. Thegrasping portion 6 is connected to theoperation portion 5 and fixed integrally thereto by screwing or adhesive bonding. - The
grasping portion 6 includes alower end surface 6 a at a position farthest from the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca. Theuniversal cable 4 is extended out from thelower end surface 6 a. Thereference numeral 7B represents a break prevention member. Thebreak prevention member 7B covers the outer circumference of theuniversal cable 4 connected to thegrasping portion 6. Thebreak prevention member 7B prevents a signal line compliant with theimage pickup section 3, for example, which is inserted through theuniversal cable 4, from being abruptly bent. - A protruding
portion 6 c is provided at the upper portion of an insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b of thegrasping portion 6. Theprotruding portion 6 c protrudes farther toward the direction of theinsertion portion 2 than the extended line, which is shown by the dashed line, of the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b. The protrudingportion 6 c includes aninclined surface 6 d and a holdingsurface 6 e. The holdingsurface 6 e of the protrudingportion 6 c is a surface on which the middle finger, for example, of the hand grasping the graspingportion 6 of the operator is placed. The holdingsurface 6 e includes a supporting portion which is substantially parallel to the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca. - Note that the
reference numeral 6 g inFIG. 1 represents a grasping portion rear surface. The grasping portionrear surface 6 g is a surface arranged at a position substantially opposed to the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b. - The
inclined surface 6 d is a slope which intersects with the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca on the insertion portion side at intersecting angle θ. The intersecting angle θ of theinclined surface 6 d is set to be an acute angle. The angle θ is set such that the distance L from the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca to theinclined surface 6 d becomes longer as going from the intersecting point to the distal end side of theinsertion portion 2. - The inclined surface 9 d of the protruding
portion 6 c is provided with twoswitch portions FIG. 2 , for example. Theinclined surface 6 d has a plane on which a plurality ofswitch portions switch portions FIG. 1 , the sliding axes 9 ca of therespective switch portions inclined surface 6 d. - The
first switch portion 9A shown inFIG. 2 is assigned as a release switch for photographing an endoscopic image displayed on a display apparatus (not shown), for example. On the other hand, thesecond switch portion 9B is assigned as a freeze switch for temporarily stopping an endoscopic image displayed on the display apparatus, for example. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the external shapes of theoperation portion 5 and the graspingportion 6 are formed to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to avertical axis 2 va which intersects with the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca. In addition, theswitch portions main body 8 a of the bendinglever 8 are disposed so as to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to thevertical axis 2 va. - Therefore, the operator can grasp the grasping
portion 6 with either his/her right hand or his/her left hand. Furthermore, the operator can operate the levermain body 8 a with the thumb of the hand grasping the grasping portion, and also can operate thefirst switch portion 9A and thesecond switch portion 9B with the index finger or the like of the hand grasping the grasping portion. - In addition, the
operation portion 5 is configured to be narrower than the graspingportion 6 with respect to the direction of the axis which is perpendicular to the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca of theinsertion portion 2. That is, a width dimension W5 of theoperation portion 5 is set to be narrower than a width dimension W6 of the graspingportion 6 by a preset dimension. As a result, a steppedportion 10 having a preset dimension is provided on both sides of theoperation portion 5. - Description will be made on the working of the
endoscope 1 configured as described above. - When operating the
endoscope 1, the operator grasps the graspingportion 6 so as to wrap the grasping portion with his/her right hand, for example, as shown inFIG. 4 . At this time, the operator places the thumb side of the palm of the right hand on the grasping portionrear surface 6 g and the other parts of the palm on the right side surface of the grasping portion. Then, the operator places the thumb in the vicinity of the levermain body 8 a and the index finger in the vicinity of theinclined surface 6 d, to hold the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b with the middle, medicinal and little fingers. In this grasping state, the operator places the middle finger at the supporting portion included in the holdingsurface 6 e of the protrudingportion 6 c. As a result, the operator can hold theoperation portion 3 of theendoscope 1 in a stable state. - The operator grasps the
operation portion 3 as described above, to insert theinsertion portion 2 into the nasal cavity of the patient. At this time, the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b of theoperation portion 3 shown inFIG. 2 is positioned in front of the eyes of the patient. - In the
operation portion 3 of theendoscope 1 according to the present embodiment, the width dimension W5 of theoperation portion 5 is set to be narrower than the width dimension W6 of the graspingportion 6. Therefore, when the operator inserts thedistal end portion 2 a of theinsertion portion 2 from the entrance of the nasal cavity to the deep direction, theoperation portion 5, the width dimension of which is narrower than the width dimension of the graspingportion 6 approaches the front of the eyes of the patient, thereby alleviating an oppressing feeling of the patient. - After inserting the
insertion portion 2 into the nasal cavity, the operator appropriately operates the levermain body 8 a in the arrow Y1 a direction or the arrow Y1 b direction to observe inside of the nasal cavity. Then, the operator photographs the diseased part and the like, as needed. At the time of the photographing, the operator performs pressing operation of thefirst switch portion 9A as a push-button switch. - In the
endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment, thefirst switch portion 9A provided to theoperation portion 3 is arranged on the plane of theinclined surface 6 d which intersects with the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca at the intersecting angle θ which is an acute angle. In addition, the sliding axis of thefirst switch portion 9A is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the plane of theinclined surface 6 d. Accordingly, the pressing direction of thefirst switch portion 9A pressed with the index finger of the operator, for example, is the direction of the arrow Y4 inFIG. 4 which intersects with the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca. Therefore, the pressing force is directed toward the palm wrapping the grasping portionrear surface 6 g. - That is, the pressing force at the time of the pressing operation of the
first switch portion 9A is absorbed by the hand grasping the graspingportion 6. As a result, hand jiggling which will cause theinsertion portion 2 to shake in connection with the pressing operation of thefirst switch portion 9A is suppressed, thereby capable of easily photographing an endoscopic image with no blur. - Note that description was made above regarding the case where the
first switch portion 9A is pressed. However, also in the case where thesecond switch portion 9B is pressed, the same working and effects can be obtained. That is, when the operator presses thesecond switch portion 9B in order to temporarily stop the endoscopic image displayed on the display apparatus, hand jiggling is prevented. As a result, the operator can surely display a desired endoscopic image on a display screen as a still image. - When observing inside of the nasal cavity and finds an inflammation or a tumor, for example, the operator performs treatment by using a treatment instrument as needed. When excising a tumor, for example, the operator grasps a
forceps 20, for example, which is a treatment instrument with his/her right hand while grasping the graspingportion 6 with his/her left hand, as shown inFIG. 5 . Then, the operator operates theendoscope 1 with his/her left hand and excises the tumor by operating theforceps 20 with his/her right hand. Note that thereference numeral 22 represents a fixed handle, for example, and thereference numeral 23 represents a movable handle, for example. - At this time, the operator arranges a
forceps inserting portion 21 of theforceps 20 at the steppedportion 10 on the right surface side of the grasping portion as shown by the dashed lines inFIG. 3 . - In the
operation portion 3 of theendoscope 1 according to the present embodiment, the width dimension W5 of theoperation portion 5 is set to be narrower than the width dimension W6 of the graspingportion 6, and the steppedportion 10 is respectively provided on both sides of theoperation portion 5. Therefore, when the operator inserts theforceps inserting portion 21 of theforceps 20 into the nasal cavity while grasping the graspingportion 6 with his/her right hand or left hand, theoperation portion 3 of theendoscope 1 does not obstruct the insertion of theforceps inserting portion 21 into the nasal cavity. That is, the steppedportion 10 respectively provided on both sides of theoperation portion 5 can reduce interference between theoperation portion 3 of theendoscope 1 and theforceps inserting portion 21. - Note that in the above-described embodiment, the two
switch portions inclined surface 6 d of theoperation portion 3 of theendoscope 1 so as to be symmetric across thevertical axis 2 va, and a function for photographing an endoscopic image and a function for temporarily stopping the endoscopic image are assigned to theswitch portions - With reference to
FIGS. 6-8 , andFIGS. 9-11 , modified examples of the operation portion will be described. - A first modified example of the operation portion will be described with reference to
FIGS. 6-8 . - As shown in
FIGS. 6 , 7, anendoscope 1A according to the present embodiment is configured such that a protrudingportion 6c 1 is connected to an upper portion of an insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b of a graspingportion 6A. At the protrudingportion 6c 1, athird switch portion 9C can be arranged in addition to the above-described twoswitch portions - As shown in
FIG. 7 , the protrudingportion 6c 1 protrudes farther toward the insertion portion side by a predetermined amount (L1 in the drawing) than a connectingpoint 5 a between theinsertion portion 2 and theoperation portion 5. As a result, the supporting portion which is included in the holdingsurface 6 e and substantially parallel to the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca is also provided so as to protrude farther than the connectingpoint 5 a. - In addition, the protruding
portion 6c 1 is formed such that a distal end side width dimension W6 b is smaller than a base side width dimension W6 a by a preset dimension, as shown inFIG. 6 . Theswitch portions inclined surface 6d 1, and oneswitch portion 9C is arranged on the distal end side. That is, theswitch portions portion 6, in other words, in the direction of theinsertion portion 2. - Note that the external shapes of the
operation portion 5 and the graspingportion 6A are formed to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to thevertical axis 2 va. In addition, theswitch portions main body 8 a of the bendinglever 8 are disposed so as to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to thevertical axis 2 va. Furthermore, thethird switch portion 9C is a push-button switch which is similar to theswitch portions third switch portion 9C is perpendicular to the plane of theinclined surface 6d 1. - According to such a configuration, when the
third switch portion 9C is pressed, hand jiggling which will cause theinsertion portion 2 to shake can be prevented similarly as in the above-described embodiment. - In addition, the distal end side of the protruding
portion 6c 1 which protrudes toward the distal end side of theinsertion portion 2 is formed into a tapered shape, thereby capable of increasing a space for arranging switch portions to increase the number of the switch portions, while preventing a size increase of theoperation portion 3 of theendoscope 1. In addition, when pressing thefirst switch portion 9A and thesecond switch portion 9B, it is possible to smoothly press the switch portions without being disturbed by the protrudingportion 6c 1. - Note that a function for switching illumination lights is assigned to the
third switch portion 9C, for example. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-describedendoscope 1. The same members are attached with the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. - Description will be made on the working of the
endoscope 1A configured as described above. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , when operating theendoscope 1A, the operator grasps the graspingportion 6A so as to wrap the grasping portion with his/her right hand, for example. At this time, the operator places the thumb side of the palm of the right hand on the grasping portionrear surface 6 g and other parts of the palm on the right side surface of the grasping portion. Then, the operator may place the thumb in the vicinity of the levermain body 8 a and the index finger in the vicinity of theinclined surface 6 d, to hold the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b with the medicinal finger and the little finger. In the grasping state, the operator can release the middle finger from the graspingportion 6A. - Note that the operator places the middle finger at the supporting portion included in the holding
surface 6e 1 of the protrudingportion 6c 1. The finger to be released from the graspingportion 6A is not limited to the middle finger, and may be the little finger or the medicinal finger. - The operator grasps the grasping
portion 6 as described above and inserts theinsertion portion 2 into the nasal cavity of the patient. At that time, the operator places the middle finger released from the graspingportion 6 at the jaw of the patient, for example. At this time, the operator moves the position of the medicinal finger located at the supporting portion of the holdingsurface 6e 1 to the distal end side of the insertion portion, for example, to ensure an optimal examination state. After that, the operator operates the levermain body 8 a to bend the bendingportion 2 b, and observes inside of the nasal cavity. - In the present embodiment, the protruding
portion 6c 1 is protruded farther than the connectingpoint 5 a by the dimension of L1, and the supporting portion included in the holdingsurface 6e 1 is provided on the more distal end side than the connectingpoint 5 a. As a result, the operator ensures an optimal examination state while placing the middle finger at the jaw of the patient, as described above, to be able to perform observation or medical procedure. This prevents a change of the relative position between the patient and theinsertion portion 2, even if the face of the patient moves. - During observation, the operator performs operation such as photographing by pressing operation of the
first switch portion 9A, temporarily stopping an endoscopic image by pressing operation of thesecond switch portion 9B, or switching the illumination light from the normal light to the special observation light, for example, by pressing operation of thethird switch portion 9C, as needed. At this time, the pressing forces at the time of pressing operations of theswitch portions portion 6A to be absorbed, as described above. Therefore, hand jiggling which will cause theinsertion portion 2 to shake in connection with the pressing operations of the switchingportions - As a result, it is possible to photograph an endoscopic image with no blur, stop an endoscopic image desired by the operator to display the endoscopic image on the display screen, and perform observation by switching the illumination light to a special observation light in the state where the endoscopic image desired by the operator is displayed.
- In addition, in the present embodiment, the two
switch portions portion 6c 1 formed into a tapered shape, and oneswitch portion 9C is provided at the distal end side of the protrudingportion 6c 1. In addition, theswitch portions vertical axis 2 va. As a result, theswitch portions vertical axis 2 va. In addition, therespective switch portions portion 6A. - A second modified example will be described with reference to
FIGS. 9 to 12 . - As shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10 , in anendoscope 1B according to the present embodiment, an operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k protruding farther than the extended line, shown by the dashed line, of the grasping portionrear surface 6 g, is connected to the upper portion of the grasping portionrear surface 6 g of the graspingportion 6B. The operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k which is further provided to the graspingportion 6B has aninclined surface 6 m on which afourth switch portion 9D can be disposed in addition to the above-described threeswitch portions - The operation-portion-
side protruding portion 6 k has theinclined surface 6 m and a holdingsurface 6 n. The holdingsurface 6 n of the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k is a surface on which the base part between the thumb and the index finger of the operator grasping the graspingportion 6 is placed, for example. The holdingsurface 6 n also includes a supporting portion which is substantially parallel to the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca. - The
inclined surface 6 m is an inclined surface which intersects with the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca on the operation portion side at the intersecting angle θ1. The intersecting angle θ1 of theinclined surface 6 m is set to be an acute angle such that the distance L2 from the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca to theinclined surface 6 m becomes longer as getting separate from the proximal end portion of theoperation portion 5 along the extended direction of the insertion portioncentral axis 2 ca. - The
inclined surface 6 m has a plane on which thefourth switch portion 9D is provided, for example. Theswitch portion 9D is a brightness switch, for example, and has a function for gradually adjusting the brightness of an endoscopic image displayed on the display apparatus. - Note that the external shapes of the
operation portion 5 and the graspingportion 6B are formed to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to thevertical axis 2 va. In addition, theswitch portions main body 8 a of the bendinglever 8 are disposed so as to be bilaterally symmetric with respect to thevertical axis 2 va. - Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described
endoscope 1A. The same components are attached with the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. - Description will be made on the working of the
endoscope 1B configured as described above. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , when operating theendoscope 1B, the operator grasps the graspingportion 6B so as to wrap the grasping portion with the right hand, for example, as shown by the dashed line. At this time, the operator places the thumb side of the palm of the right hand on the grasping portionrear surface 6 g and other parts of the palm on the right side surface of the grasping portion. Then, the operator places the thumb in the vicinity of the levermain body 8 a and the index finger in the vicinity of theinclined surface 6 d, to hold the insertion-portion-side side surface 6 b with the medicinal finger and the little finger. - The operator grasps the grasping
portion 6B as described above and inserts theinsertion portion 2 into the nasal cavity of the patient to perform observation. At this time, the operator presses thefourth switch portion 9D disposed on theinclined surface 6 m, with the thumb to adjust the brightness of the endoscopic image to desired brightness. Theinclined surface 6 m on which thefourth switch 9D is arranged is positioned so as to form an acute angle with respect to the direction of the bendinglever 8. As a result, when operating the bendinglever 8 as shown inFIG. 11 , the operator can operate thefourth switch 9D without releasing the thumb from thelever 8, for example. - After that, the operator appropriately operates the lever
main body 8 a to insert thedistal end portion 2 a of theinsertion portion 2 to a desired position and observes inside of the nasal cavity. - Thus, in addition to the protruding
portion 6c 1, the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k is provided to the graspingportion 6B. As a result, the planes of the respective protruding portions are ensured as spaces in which the switch portions are arranged. - Note that, in the present embodiment, the
fourth switch portion 9D is provided on the plane of theinclined surface 6 m of the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k. However, the number of the switch portion provided on the plane of theinclined surface 6 m is not limited to one, but may be plural. - Note that the operation-portion-
side protruding portion 6 k is provided on the grasping portionrear surface 6 g of the graspingportion 6 in the present embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to hold the graspingportion 6B as shown inFIG. 12 . Specifically, as shown inFIG. 12 , the operator places the base part between the thumb and the index finger at the supporting portion included in the operation-portion-side protruding portion 6 k. On the other hand, the operator places the middle finger at the supporting portion included in the holdingsurface 6e 1 of the protrudingportion 6c 1, for example. As a result, the operator can hold theoperation portion 3 on the palm without grasping the graspingportion 6B with the hand. Accordingly, the operator can temporarily loosen the grasping force of the hand grasping the graspingportion 6B during the examination. This makes it possible for the operator to feel less fatigue during the examination. - Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments but various modifications thereof are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.
Claims (7)
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- 2011-12-08 US US13/314,422 patent/US8858427B2/en active Active
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US9775495B2 (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2017-10-03 | Olympus Corporation | Operation device for into-bore introduction device, and into-bore introduction device |
US9778208B2 (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2017-10-03 | Olympus Corporation | Operation device for into-bore introduction device, and into-bore introduction device |
US20160227983A1 (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2016-08-11 | Olympus Corporation | Operation device for into-bore introduction device, and into-bore introduction device |
US10478050B2 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2019-11-19 | Olympus Corporation | Operation device for into-bore introduction device, and into-bore introduction device |
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WO2018162423A1 (en) | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-13 | Polydiagnost Entwicklungs-, Produktions-, Vertriebs-, Und Servicegesellschaft Für Medizinelektronische Diagnostik- Und Therapiegeräte Mbh | Endoscope handle and endoscope |
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US10758109B2 (en) * | 2017-03-10 | 2020-09-01 | Mpi Inc. | Medical examination sight maintaining videoscope |
US20180303318A1 (en) * | 2017-04-19 | 2018-10-25 | Carl Zeiss Meditec Ag | Endoscopic probe |
US10945587B2 (en) * | 2017-04-19 | 2021-03-16 | Carl Zeiss Meditec Ag | Endoscopic probe with reduced obstruction |
US11241146B2 (en) * | 2017-07-13 | 2022-02-08 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope |
US20210068629A1 (en) * | 2018-08-17 | 2021-03-11 | Ching-Shun Tseng | Endoscope With Inspection Accessory and Inspection Accessory for the Same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPWO2012017810A1 (en) | 2013-10-03 |
US8858427B2 (en) | 2014-10-14 |
EP2502548B1 (en) | 2013-12-04 |
EP2502548A1 (en) | 2012-09-26 |
CN102711584B (en) | 2015-09-02 |
CN102711584A (en) | 2012-10-03 |
EP2502548A4 (en) | 2012-11-21 |
WO2012017810A1 (en) | 2012-02-09 |
JP5006478B2 (en) | 2012-08-22 |
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